The Obama administration's new sanctions freeze the assets and impose visa bans on some members of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle while halting exports that might aid the Russian military.
The sanctions are in response to Russia's continued aggression in the Ukraine.
Senator Dan Coats says while he's encouraged by the latest action, he thinks a lack of what he describes as a forceful response up to now will give Russia little reason to expect punishment for further aggression.
Coats says he is working on legislation that would impose heavy financial and economic sanctions on Russia.
The Indiana senator has also called for the United States to help strengthen a missile defense system in Eastern Europe.